Stop bringing up the subject of race you say
It fills you with guilt and dismay
I’m confused and something is definitely out of whack
Because I can’t recall introducing myself as black
From the moment I was born and you saw my face
You put me in a box when you brought up race
“You’re not like them,” I hear you say often
Expecting that with what isn’t a compliment that my heart will soften
To the microagressions, I’m constantly subjected to
And staring like I’m alien then threatening to sue
Me when I call you racist
Which you vehemently deny by retorting fascist
You bring up my race
When I am at my workplace
And crowd me and start by keeping me in line
Expecting that I will be fine
With remarks and gestures designed to harm
Wrapped up in sweet words designed to charm
Me and keep me in my place
Each time you decide what someone of my race
Is capable of which in your opinion isn’t much
When you infantilize my elders by speaking in tones that indicate such
Superiority you feel when you stand next to me
And bring up my race so I can see
That we are not alike of with my hue darker than yours
And based on that you decide I am filled with flaws
Flaws you think are genetic and of old
You bring up my race and try to get me sold
On the idea that you’re better and know much more
Of that, you’re confident and like to ensure
That I know this every day
With actions and words, you do not say
That my race is limited to picking fruits on your farm
Never thinking how much harm
You cause by bringing up my race
Each and every time you see my face.
You can’t be better simply for a fair skin
Or think that every interaction with me is to win
And talk about how much you know
Just so you could show
Bringing up race
Strategically designed to put me in my place
When all I want, is to be me
You look at my face and race is all you see
